Nigel Farage has stirred the pot again, suggesting his party, Reform UK, will stump up the funds for a national inquiry into child sexual abuse if the Government doesn’t act. Farage announced plans to appoint “independent arbiters” to investigate what he called a “deeply racist element” to grooming gangs in Britain.
Farage Takes Aim at Past Inquiries
Speaking during a Commons debate on Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, Farage slammed the scope of previous investigations, including the 459-page Jay inquiry, which he claimed barely mentioned Rotherham or grooming gangs.
“What we need,” he declared, “is a rifle-shot inquiry that focuses on gangs of Pakistani men raping young white girls. I might be right, I might be wrong, but doesn’t the country deserve a full, open national inquiry?”
Farage’s comments drew heated reactions, with Labour MP Nadia Whittome accusing him of weaponising victims’ trauma for political gain.
Reform UK’s Bold Plan
Farage pledged Reform UK would step in if the Government refused to act. “We will raise the money and appoint independent arbiters,” he said. “The truth needs to be out there.”
But Labour’s Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, pushed back, urging MPs to focus on implementing the recommendations of the Jay inquiry rather than launching another decade-long investigation.
“Another inquiry means another 10 years of waiting,” she said. “We need child protection now.”
Heated Exchanges in the Commons
The debate turned fiery when Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe made controversial suggestions, including pausing Pakistani visas and stripping citizenship from dual nationals involved in grooming crimes.
His remarks drew sharp criticism from Champion, who called his language “disgusting” and insensitive to survivors. “I’m sure his intent is justice, but please think about who hears our words,” she said.
A Nation Divided
While Farage and his allies argue that a new inquiry is essential, critics maintain that more immediate action is needed. The question remains: will the Government step up, or will Reform UK’s bold funding promise become reality?
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